FORMER Wales prop Dai Young has backed Charlie Davies and Ed Jackson to thrive at Newport Gwent Dragons, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Rodney Parade region have signed scrum-half Davies and number eight Jackson from Wasps for next season.

Ex-Cardiff Blues boss Young, who is director of rugby at the Aviva Premiership side, believes that the duo have the ability to shine at the Dragons.

He said: “Charlie has been with the club for five seasons, during which time he has developed from a young player straight out of the England Under-20s set-up into a very accomplished scrum-half.

“He has been an important member of this squad and I have no doubt that he will go from strength to strength with Newport.

“Ed has also made a big impact since arriving at the club in 2013. In what is a very competitive back row grouping, he has been unlucky not to feature more but he has acquitted himself very well during his time in black and gold and we wish him all the best at the Dragons.

“Both players have been very valuable members of the squad in their time here. I totally understand their decision to move to try to get more regular first team rugby and I wish them both all the best in the next steps in their careers.”

Wales-qualified Davies is making his return to Rodney Parade after featuring for the Dragons Under-20s when he was with Nottingham in 2008.

“I will join a Newport side who have a lot of young talented players and Lyn Jones is building a very good side there,” he said.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down and I look forward to playing in the Guinness Pro12 and helping them achieve success.

“First there is still plenty to achieve with Wasps, with a battle at the top of the Premiership and a European (Rugby Champions Cup) quarter-final to contest.”

Jackson will provide another ball-carrying option for the Dragons, who will have to cope without Taulupe Faletau until November at the earliest because of the World Cup.

The 26-year-old is excited about joining forces with director of rugby Lyn Jones and head coach Kingsley Jones, who he played under at London Welsh.

“They have a young squad there who are starting to come together and they look like another club moving in the right direction,” said Jackson.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the task next season, but there is obviously a lot at stake at Wasps this season, which I am fully focused on contributing to in every way that I can.”